Cath Kidston up for sale again after less than a year

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Feb 17, 2023

Cath Kidston has been through huge change in recent years, with an administration filing in 2020 and a change of ownership only last summer. But more change could be on the horizon with a report that it's possibly up for sale.

Sky News said the company – which is known for its vintage-inspired floral prints – was acquired by Hilco Capital last year. But its owner is reportedly considering a sale after being approached by more than one interested party.

Hilco specialises in buying distressed consumer businesses and turning them around. It's believed to be lining up PwC to advise on a potential sale, although it's unclear exactly what sort of deal the company would be seeking and whether it would want to retain a partial stake in the business.

The company previously owned well known British retailers Homebase and HMV and bought Cath Kidston from Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA) in 2022. 

BPEA had owned it for some time and had re-acquired it out of administration in a pre-pack deal. That purchase saw it closing its UK stores, although it later reopend the Piccadilly, London flagship.

Cath Kidston was named after its founder who launched it 30 years ago. She later sold it to private equity firm TA Associates in a deal reportedly valued at £100 million. BPEA took full control of the firm in 2016 but later ran into trouble as the pandemic hurt the business badly, resulting in the administration filing.

Hilco hasn’t commented on the Sky News report.